Lanzarote or Fuerteventura: which one to choose
Find the perfect island for your Canary holidays!
Are you planning a getaway in the Canaries and wondering whether you should pick Lanzarote or Fuerteventura for your holiday? Both neighboring islands offer amazing beaches, beautiful landscapes and a wide range of leisure activities, but each one has its own distinctive character.
Keep on reading to explore the highlights of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and figure out which destination is best for you. And once you’ve let one island charm its way to the top, you can book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper in no time!
We have come up with 7 interesting comparison points to help you with your Lanzarote vs Fuerteventura dilemma:
- Climate
- Beaches
- Outdoor activities, nature & water sports
- Culture & sights
- Family holidays
- Nightlife
- Camping & motorhome trip
The lovely Lanzarote, extremely popular during the winter months
Lanzarote vs. Fuerteventura: a Canary dilemma
With impressive volcanic landscapes, great beaches and a consistently mild climate, the neighboring islands on the western corner of the Canaries have been captivating travelers for decades. With the exception of a few small volcanic mountains, both islands are pretty flat and characterized more by sand dunes, rocks and lava ash rather than by lush greenery.
As the second largest island in the archipelago, Fuerteventura is mostly popular for its numerous long and sandy beaches, and a top destination for water sports. Lanzarote, which is about half the size, promises a holiday full of adventures in its amazing nature and a rich cultural scene.
Take a closer look at the two Canary islands and find the one that best matches your vibe:
Which island is warmer, and which one is windier?
With average maximum temperatures of around 20 degrees in January, 29 degrees in August and very little rainfall, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are quite similar in terms of weather.
The water temperatures are around 20 degrees and more all year round. Only in February and March does the sea cool down to around 18 degrees. The two islands are the ones with the fewest rainy days in the Canaries.
Fuerteventura is generally considered the windiest island in the Canaries. However, Lanzarote is also affected by the same trade winds (strong in early summer), while there are also winds coming regularly from the Sahara.
Both islands are great to visit all year round. The period from summer to late autumn is recommended for beach holidays, while nature is particularly beautiful in February and March.
Tip: if you wish to explore the long-lived Canarian traditions under the warm winter sun, we strongly recommend visiting Lanzarote at Christmas.
The stunning town and beach of Costa Calma in Fuerteventura
Which island is better for a beach holiday?
The answer to this question is easy; thanks to its 150-km-long sandy coastline, Fuerteventura is second to none when it comes to beaches in the Canary Islands.
Travelers usually opt for the white sandy beaches on the southern Jandía Peninsula, many of which have visitor amenities and lifeguards. Thanks to its shallow waters and low currents, they are good for swimming and families with children.
The extensive dunes in northern Corralejo are also an amazing attraction. And let’s not forget about Fuerteventura’s famous Popcorn Beach!
Nature enthusiasts will find their paradise on the wild coast of Cofete. Remember that you should be particularly careful there as currents can be dangerous.
Lanzarote also has very beautiful beaches, but many of them are untamed and sometimes a little difficult to access. Beach lovers are usually drawn to the southern holiday resorts of Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, or Puerto del Carmen.
The Papagayo beaches, sheltered from the wind, will steal your heart with their clear waters, perfect for snorkeling. Then again, if you love wilder nature, you can take a trip to the golden-sand Playa de Famara.
Annual highlight: the international kite festival in Fuerteventura
Outdoor activities, nature, and water sports
Both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura offer excellent conditions for sports and outdoor activities, especially in late autumn, winter, and spring. The islands attract surfing and other water-sports fans all year round.
Let’s see how Lanzarote and Fuerteventura score for these outdoor activities:
- Surfing: with its countless beaches and reliable waves, Fuerteventura is a real surfers’ mecca. World famous places include Flag Beach in Corralejo and El Cotillo. Lanzarote also has some popular surf spots and schools, such as the beach in Caleta de Famara. You can discover the top 13 surf spots in the Canary Islands in our detailed guide.
- Hiking: you can find several hiking trails in both destinations, although other Canary islands might have more to offer for hiking lovers. The Sendero del Golfo trekking route in Lanzarote promises unforgettable views between volcanoes and the towering waves. In Fuerteventura, the trail to the Calderón Hondo volcano is definitely a highlight.
- Cycling: both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are relatively flat compared to other Canary islands, and are, therefore, easy to explore by bike. Although there are not many bike paths, you can cycle on the road. Lanzarote might have a bit more to offer, as there are numerous sights and quaint towns that can serve as good cycling destinations.
- Day trips and island hopping: Lanzarote is a bit smaller and more compact; therefore, the most important sights are at pretty close distance and are easier to explore on a day trip. As for island-hopping trips, from Lanzarote you can organize a trip to La Graciosa by ferry, while, from Fuerteventura you can plan a day trip to the small island of Los Lobos.
Conclusion: if your holidays are mainly about water sports and relaxing at the beach, Fuerteventura is your go-to destination. If, on the other hand, you want to combine various outdoor activities in one holiday, Lanzarote has more variety to offer overall.
The breathtaking Jameos del Agua subterranean salt lake in Lanzarote
Culture and sightseeing
If art, culture, and sightseeing have a special place on your holiday agenda, Lanzarote probably has more to offer than Fuerteventura.
The artist César Manrique has had a considerable influence on the aesthetic identity of Lanzarote. His philosophy of integrating tourism and culture into nature in a respectful manner is reflected in many works that you can admire during your holidays on Lanzarote, such as the lava tube and the Jameos del Agua visitor center, or the Jardin de Cactus garden.
During your vacation, you can also explore numerous volcanic attractions, such as the Timanfaya National Park. The local craft markets are also popular, especially that of Teguise.
Tip: diving in Lanzarote's Underwater Museum is an unforgettable experience!
In Fuerteventura, there are also several scenic attractions that make for great excursion destinations. Take a trip to the El Tostón Lighthouse, hike to the windmills of Villaverde, or marvel at the caves of Ajuy. Equally intriguing is the archaeological site at Mount Tindaya, which held sacred significance for Fuerteventura’s indigenous people, the Guanches.
Holidays with kids
Whether you pick Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, your family vacation is sure to be a success. With many long sandy beaches, the majority of which are suitable for children, Fuerteventura is particularly appealing. Popular spots for families include Costa Calma and Playa de Butihondo near Morro Jable.
In Lanzarote, the Papagayo Beaches provide excellent conditions. If you want to have access to bathing amenities and restaurants with kids' menus, Playa Chica is a great option.
As for family excursions and activities, you can visit the Aquapark in Corralejo or have fun with the animals at Fuerteventura’s Oasis Wildlife, one of the largest zoos in the Canary Islands. In Lanzarote, you can enjoy an exciting experience at the Aquarium in Teguise, and check out the Aqualava Waterpark. In both islands, you can take water sports courses, ranging from surfing to diving.
Tip: planning to visit the Canaries with your family during winter? Check out our tips to plan the perfect holidays.
Fun with the animals at the Fuerteventura Oasis Wildlife park
Nightlife
Fuerteventura's nightlife is relatively low-key. Locals are more likely to head to Puerto del Rosario for a night out, while most tourists opt for the clubs and bars in Corralejo. Beyond that, there are always fiestas and beach parties around the island, giving opportunities for dancing and celebrating under the stars.
Lanzarote, on the other hand, has a livelier nightlife scene. Most of the clubs can be found in Puerto del Carmen, but Playa Blanca and the harbor area of Arrecife are also great spots to enjoy a cocktail.
Insider tip: take a hike along the Sendero del Golfo and then treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the top-notch seafood restaurants in El Golfo.
Dreamy evening in Lanzarote’s Playa Blanca
Camping and motorhome holidays
Fuerteventura doesn’t have any official campsites, except for the ones in the small neighboring island of Los Lobos. However, wild camping with a motorhome is normally tolerated, and you’ll find plenty of scenic spots with magical views—though they can be exposed to the wind and sun.
Traveling to Fuerteventura with a motorhome is possible if you catch a ferry from Cádiz to Fuerteventura and board your vehicle.
Lanzarote, on the other hand, has an official campsite at the Papagayo Beaches, usually open from Easter until the end of September. Wild camping with motorhomes is also normally accepted here, with dozens of beautiful spots to discover across the island.
To bring your motorhome to Lanzarote from mainland Spain, you can take the ferry from Cádiz to Lanzarote.
Important: keep in mind that wild camping is strictly prohibited in the Canary Islands. It’s regularly monitored, and violations can lead to hefty fines. Wild camping includes, for example, setting up a camp around your vehicle, extending awnings, or placing outdoor furniture.
Exploring Fuerteventura by motorhome: the road trip of a lifetime
Lanzarote or Fuerteventura: why not both?
Read our guide, but you still can’t decide between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura? You don’t have to! The two islands are just 30 minutes apart by fast ferry, so it’s super easy to visit both during a single trip.
Find detailed info about schedules and prices for the Lanzarote - Fuerteventura ferry and book cheap ferry tickets to / between the two islands on Ferryhopper!
